Tara and Mike were married on a beautiful, chilly day in NYC. The day began with preparations at the Ritz Carlton hotel.
Tara shares, “Throughout the day of getting ready with my bridesmaids and family, I was pretty calm and wasn’t anxious. It wasn’t until about 45 minutes before I knew Jess was coming, that I got that butterfly feeling in my stomach. After some ‘prep’ photos, it was finally time to have our first look. We did this before the ceremony, so we were able to enjoy the cocktail hour and reception. As my bridesmaid Khloe and I were walking to where Michael was standing, I literally thought I was going to throw up. As I tapped him on the shoulder, and he turned around, all of my anxiety and nervousness went away. We had a few moments, shared a couple of laughs, and were able to enjoy (although slightly freezing) the beginning of our wedding day.”
Tara carried a photo of her father with her on her bouquet.
She shares, “My father was diagnosed with bladder cancer in October of 2014. Over the next 6 months, there were some good days and bad days. It was with all intentions that my dad was going to make our wedding. As March 28th was quickly approaching, his pain got worse and worse and our family decided it was best for him to stay in the comfort of his own home. Luckily, with today’s technology, my dad was able to FaceTime in. He participated in the ceremony and the reception. However, my favorite moment came between the two main events. Michael and I ‘hid’ away in the church while our guests headed to the reception venue. During this time, we were able to speak a few words with my dad. He explained that he got to see the entire ceremony and how touched he was that, although he could not be there in person, he was still able to participate. My father passed away on April 1st, 2015 – 4 days after we got married.”
The wedding ceremony was held at the Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Our Lady of the Rosary near Battery Park.
Mike shares, “It was so important to us to have my family priests marry us. The priests knew my grandmother, Malvina, from her teenage years. Since then, they’ve baptized, married, and buried several members of the Mattiello family. We were very honored that Father Bud and Father Charlie were able to drive in from Douglaston to celebrate our marriage.”
The reception was held at Battery Gardens overlooking the Statue of Liberty.
Tara and Mike shared their first dance to Silly Love Songs by Paul McCartney.
Mike shares, “I wrote a song for Tara on our engagement. She loved it so much that we decided that I would play the song at our reception. I was sitting in the groomsmen suite, warming up my voice with my guitar, when in walked my sister with a gift from the bride. I opened it and it was a Gibson Les Paul with a flat sunburst finish, engraved with “All My Love” and our wedding date 3-28-15. I was so happy I couldn’t contain myself. I immediately got out the guitar and played for my family and groomsmen. Much to Tara’s surprise, I decided to make a last-minute change to play Tara’s Song with my new, awesome wedding gift!”
Congratulations Tara and Mike!
Check out more photos in the slideshow!
Special thanks to the whole team:
Ceremony: The Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Our Lady of the Rosary
Reception: Battery Gardens
Reception Coordinator: Michele at Battery Gardens
Officiants: Father Bud and Father Charlie
Caterer: Battery Gardens
Cake: Molly’s Cupcakes
Cake topper: Etsy, Better off Wed
DJ/Band: Scratch Weddings, DJ Jon Blak
Florist: DIY
Invitations: WeddingPaperDivas
Makeup: Styled by Jen
Hair: Styled by Jen
Rings: Fabrikant
Bride’s Dress: Allure Bridal, Lillian Lottie Couture
Bride’s Shoes: Macy’s
Bridesmaid Dresses Designer/Shop: Mori Lee
Groom’s Tux Designer/Shop: Tom James
Groomsmen Tux Designer/Shop: SRG Fashion
Tie: Tom James
Videography: NST Films
Photographer: Jessica Schmitt Photography with Eric Swartz
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